Chapter 83 - Division (1)

A quarter to seven p.m.

We are walking through the depths of the Forest, the group split in two. The girls are in the front line, while we remain a few meters behind them, surrounding Edna just as Blaike's team used to surround us. The only difference is that she isn't protected, but monitored. Besides, since Shailly doesn't have her crutches anymore, I'm carrying her on my back.

_ Shailly: “ Ayden, please tell me you know what you're doing. " she said in a low voice

The silence following his words worries her. Simultaneously, his hands tighten on my shoulders, indirectly pleading for an answer that might soothe his fears.

_ Ayden: “ Yes. “

Silence falls once again, heavy and oppressive. We walk on, each of us locked away in our own thoughts. A little while later, I suggest we take a short break to hydrate and rest for a bit.

We arrive at a fairly open clearing, encircled by towering trees with green and golden foliage. Beneath our feet lie countless piles of leaves from those very trees, creating a landscape of unique colors.

A few tree trunks lie scattered about, and most of us hasten to settle down on them. Only Edna stands pressed against a tree apart from the group, hands in her pockets, still in plain sight of everyone. I am about to drop Shailly off first, but a murmur from her stops me.

_ Ayden: " Are you sure you don't want to sit down? "

_ Shailly: " Yeah, but I'd rather you leave me on the ground. I need to keep my leg straight, and besides, I think all this foliage will be more comfortable than a tree trunk. "

_ Ayden: " Okay. "

Beside me, an outstretched arm appeared, offering a water bottle.

_ Hazel: " Here, take it, I'm not thirsty. "

_ Shailly: " Thank you. "

At the exact moment I intend to settle down, a voice rings out.

_ Son: “ Ayden, can I speak with you for five minutes in private? “

We step away from the group, not far from view but far enough to be out of earshot.

_ Ayden: " I’m listening. "

_ Son: " You know I’ve always trusted you, but right now, I just don't get you anymore, man. "

_ Ayden: " … "

_ Son: " Your radical decisions have pulled us out of some deep shit before, but this vote might have been one too many. It just split the group apart. And besides… "

Then lower your eyes.

_ Son: " The other day, when I saw you grab that rock to crush those sparrows on the ground, I was shocked. "

_ Ayden: " … "

_ Son: " To be honest, you’re scaring me, man. "

Despite my apparent stoicism throughout these words, an inner unease arises from the distress I am causing my friend. Nevertheless, taking full responsibility for my actions, I gaze at him with an unwavering mind.

_ Ayden: " Do you remember when we were at the clinic? I said I wouldn't hesitate to get my hands dirty to be prepared for any eventuality. "

Frenetic gestures unfold.

_ Son: “ But these are innocent animals! They have nothing to do with our troubles. ”

_ Ayden: " Believe me or not, but those very same animals saved Kaya and me in the cave. "

_ Son: " Ayden… "

_ Ayden: “ Look, I’m sorry for being cruel in your eyes, especially since you’re staying in my party despite everything, and I’m grateful for that. But it’s the law of the jungle out here and, from my perspective, adaptation is mandatory. There’s no room for hesitation. I don’t mind being hated as long as the group makes it out alive. ”

A brief silence settles, only to be broken immediately.

_ Son : “ Can't talk some sense into you, I guess…” he said with a resigned smile

_ Ayden : “ Look, I know my ideas aren't the best, I'm just doing some damage control here. ”

_ Son : “ Alright, alright, I hear you. ”

Then, surprisingly relaxed, he puts both hands behind his head.

_ Son: “ Look, no one can find out about this. People are already divided over the vote, so if they hear you've been smoking sparrows, they'll go ballistic. "

_ Ayden : " Kaya and Edna are already in the loop. "

A mouth parts slightly, eyebrows raised and hands pulled back.

_ Son: " Whaaat?? So we’re in deep shit then?? If they snitch to the others… "

_ Ayden : " They can do it, I don't care. I never intended to hide it. "

_ Son : " Alright, but ideally, they’d keep quiet. "

Sensing the discussion was winding down, I started walking toward the other group members.

_ Ayden : “ We'll see how it goes. ”

_ Son : “ He seriously doesn't give a damn… Yo, wait up! ”